This bass will have 2 pickups with each having (2) sets of knobs. I designed the mechanics where the knobs could be placed anywhere on the bass, and still maneuver the picks up/down and from left to right. The pickup system will still enable me to make adjustments with the (4) Alembic pickup screws.

I believe this is a breakthrough for the Jester bass.

Upon picking up my Toma_hawk, I will disclose my design of the Jester, and sliding pickup system to Alembic Inc., for their through review with regards to building my fretless bass called the Jester.

The top, is and opened view/cut away view -- showing the basic controls using pulleys and belts, which enables mechanism to move the pickups left/right and up/down, sliding along a pole.

The bottom bass, is the general closed appearance. Based upon the design, pickup access is only allowed from the back side of the bass. The front appearance shall be fully encapsulating the pickups. The slit in the middle, is for viewing for pickup locations, and is viewable buy a clear plexiglas view. Also, this window should illuminate in aiding my view when making adjustments. I wouldn't expect the there would be a need for each individual pickup having a plastic shell, or at least the top portion should be exposed and without a cover, for full magnification performance. The bass already protects the exposed pickups from debris, and moister.

Cables and pulleys, can do wonders in small spaces, and I thought I would share the concept to spark more ideas, and imagination.

So as you can see, the theory of having a adjustable pickup system with a clean sublime look supporting the beauty and elegance of Alembic basses is very possible for this custom bass.

From the perspective of looking into the cavity of the bass, is where this entire component would rest, so ignore the background as it suggest, it would be on top of the surface, which is not true.

The test model worked successfully, and I made farther refinements after transferring the system to actual wood. I made it where the system is completely self contained and acts as one modular unit with my choice of pickups.

I have not decided if this bass will be an Alembic... we will see how things go.

Clearly, I want the Jester to be the best Fretless bass I ever played, and be the most complete fretless ever.

What I like about the solution the most, its makes the bass for easy cleaning, and you could admire the beauty of that beautiful wood.

I was hoping you chime in for we talked about sliding picks last year on the Toma_Hawk build.

I remember us reviewing other sliding pickups, and personally for me, I never stopped thinking about how one could be made, in tighter and smaller areas, and use knobs for making adjustments.

Mario, the tension from the tightly fastened wired cables does not move in any direction until you either do two things: physically move the pickup plates, or turn the knobs.

I even placed heaver objects (heavier than alembic pickups) on the plates, and everything worked fine, and without any unwarranted movements.

Also, when you look at this from the perspective of playing a bass, the rails are in the most neutral, and favorable position -- following the direction of the neck...

With this earlier proof of concept version, I was able to make more iterations that improved the system, which enhanced my experiences, to sharpen the knob turns to a more granular as a professional tool should be.

I am also working with a third party, to customize my sprockets and belt systems, including a choice of knobs which "click locks" and a one knob, control both or all system.

So, it really comes down to the knob system now.

The height system works really great too. That was the most challenging piece, and very useful.

The Great Bill Cosby said: "... in order to fulfill a dream, you must first wake up..."

I also understand, why people are very comfortable with fixed pickups system. I can honestly say, I love fixed pickup ideas too, however, I am looking forward to a newer satisfaction, which fixed pickups didn't solve.

I totally understand the facts behind fixed pickup systems. I am also emotionally attached to our beloved heritage, their world-wide appeal and the unparalleled esteem to a legacy of proven musical accolades, dawning an unthinkable number of awards for over 50 years.

However, for me, it's time for a change. I believe floating pickups, will be the future. It's just that simple.

I understand, Human emotions are greater than logic and reasoning. Most people act greatly and righteously for mainly emotional reasons. This is a good thing, and it's what makes us human.

But I believe it becomes a bad thing, when we prevent ourselves from learning new ways, and new things.

Some of the greatest ideas, will never breath the light of day, because of the powers of suggestions of commercial media, along with peoples cultural normality.

In the 80's, Apple Computer commercial suggested people are hurled like cattle or programmed to only trust the familiar, and/or nothing new.

However today, Apple users are so loyal some would compare them as a cult -- and to ever think of Apple consumers using anything else, is almost a sacrilege of the creed.

However, what keeps Apple a float in maintaining their loyalty, is their abilities to upgrade their devices with new innovations. Without this, Apple wouldn't be Apple. Also, if you examine the concepts on their devices, you'd probably already realized the concept(s)years ago. In other-words, Apple didn't innovate anything new, they only validated your old concepts into reality.

However the real question is:

Why do we allow or provide a more favorable business environment for new innovations, as if these innovations would leads us into a brighter future full of hopes and dreams, and condemn other innovations in the opposite light as something to be feared, because it challenges our cultural values and norms.

Should only ideas survive, if it supports only a limited cultural perspective?

For example:

When entering a Costco store, the first thing you see, are those wonderful flat screen TVs. Man those sets are crystal clear, and beautifully displayed with such exquisite color and shapes that spells "Modern" all over the chassis. The speakers hit you from every direction too.

In a spit second, you'll might imagine yourself looking into the bright future of owning that modern TV you'd set your eyes on, or maybe you might not feel the need to buy a current model at the present time, but found word, there was something else (more advanced, and more futuristic) of worthy, replacing your older unit and, at a more affordable price.

Why do we subconsciously approve and welcome TV innovations, and not approve or welcome change or innovations in the same light on guitars?

Are there technological bias for guitars?

I understand what a series I and II is about, with Alembic basses being already still so far ahead of the game, is there still a need to support a series III?

I have an old friend who has a 2 Basses that have sliding pick ups. One of them has Alembic pick ups and electronics. I can not post the image with out permission but I will ask . Their are others out there as well that have sucessfully mounted sliding pick ups. I believe Hal posted one or more him self. Here is another example that has Alembic Pick ups & electroincs that is on the web ; 72-01 has sliding pick ups as you all know. And there are a few others ; http://www.prairiesun.com/Guitars/Dragon.html

As Wolf has said, sliding pickups have been around since the early 70's. Dan Armstrong had them, the gibson grabber had them and I seem to remember westone produced some horrendous thing where the rails were the main part of the body. However, none of these really caught on and I can't help but wonder if anyone who ever bought one bothered to change the pickup position once they found their 'sweet spot'. It's a documented fact that jack cassidy's Alembic no 1 in the pic above had sliding pickups so that Jack could experiment with where the best position for them would be, not as a tone shaping feature.

edit : Hal - your device is going to add several pounds to the weight of what is already a pretty heavy instrument. You may want to hire a chiropractor if it ever gets built ;-)

Hal , if there will be a Series III is a good question. Perhaps the answer depends on multiple reasons of R&D to develop such an instrument based on the metamorphosis of design and application that is driven by a customer request basis . Perhaps this concept might only make sense to me but then this is only my own rationale for such an endeavour . _____ I just be thinkin man !

Hal, i don't think that not having frets makes a difference in weight, i've played 2 Fender American Jazzes, one fretted other fretless, didn't make a difference, both weighed the same. as Graeme said, this is going to be a really heavy instrument when built, another thing that would be a big factor would be balance since the added weight would make the body sink more, just some thoughts

I think I am in a better position to know the actual weight of my device, and requirements than anyone don't you think?

Frankly, the weight of my device is very light... How light? About 4 times lighter than a typical bridge and could be made "even lighter".

However, I think I know where this is going...

So if people are interested in the development of the Jester Bass, please send me a private email, and I will gladly discuss the challenges and successes of the making of this bass. I been through this before with nay-say'er, and there is noway I am headed down that path again. The Toma_Hawk proved me correct in every conceivable way, along with people's rush to judgments and inaccuracies.

I look forward to updating people who support a more kindred spirited discussion on this topic.

Innovation isn't a simple matter of being the first to have an idea, but is to be bold enough to propose yourself to go further or even make real ideas that didn't succeed... yet, IMHO.

Go for it, Hal!

That is a stimulant proposition and Jester Bass will be, at least, an astounding tool to predict how any Alembic could sound with another PU's positioning. In fact, most of the Tone of this Bass will be setup by changing its PU location and you could even discard much of its eletronics (and weight) that way... Imagine a Bass without visible PUs or even Knobs!

Well, I'm day-dreaming now, ha ha ha. Thanks for sharing your dreams with us, Hal. Hope being able to see/hear Jester any time in near future. Best wishes...

Hal, Thanks for posting those last two clips! Maybe this hints at the direction of a hypothetical Series III with otherworldly electronics hybridized with the current Alembic sonic concepts and unmatched Old World wood craftsmanship. If anyone can do this tastefully and keep the organic vibe, Alembic can.

An added bonus? No more broken strings (see concurrent thread).

Hal, your mind is like rust...it never sleeps. I look forward to your magical Jester. Between you and Alembic it should be totally killer! Please keep me posted on its gestation. Sam legionkondor@hotmail.com